y
asleep--and, in the meantime, he had to wait in suspense.

He strolled out to the stable without any definite object to take him
there. He was in an unquiet, irritable frame of mind, which was likely
to exhibit itself on the smallest provocation.

A boy of seventeen, Tom Calder by name, was employed by Colonel Ross to
look after his two horses and attend to any errands or light duties that
might be required about the house.

Philip, as he entered the stable, saw Tom sitting on a kitchen chair,
which had been transferred to the stable, engaged in reading a weekly
paper.

"What are you doing there, Tom?" he demanded, in an imperious tone.

If Philip had asked in a civil tone, Tom would have answered him with
civility, but the boy's tone was offensive, and Tom was too spirited to
bear it.

"What's that to you, Phil?" he retorted.

"You'll find out what it is!" answered Philip, angrily.

"That's just what I'm wanting to do."

"And don't you presume to call me Phil, either."

"Why--isn't it your name?"

"Yes; but it isn't for you to call me by it."

"What am I to call you, now?"

"You can call me Master Philip, or Mr. Philip."

"Ho! ho! It's a joke you're playing on me!"

"No, it isn't. It is your duty to treat me with respect. But you haven't
answered my question."

"What is it?"

"What are you doing there?"

"Reading a paper. Can't you see for yourself?"

"That isn't what my father pays you for. Go right to work."

"Shure, you want me to work day and night! That's what Tom Calder won't
do for no man last of all for a boy like you!"

"If you ain't careful, my father will send you away."

"If he does, I'll get another place soon," said Tom, indifferently.

"You're an impudent loafer!"

"The same to yourself," said Tom, indifferently.

After a little further altercation, Philip walked off in dudgeon. It was
clear that he couldn't bully Tom.

CHAPTER XXXIII

STEALING THE BONDS

Contrary to his usual custom, Philip spent the evening at home; and, as
he must have something to occupy him, he spent it in reading. Usually,
he cared very little for reading, and was prone to spend the evening
out.

Mrs. Ross regarded her son with approval, as she saw him steadily
reading all the evening.

"I do believe you're getting studious, Phil," she said.

"I'm interested in a story," remarked Phil.

"How much better it is to spend the evening at home readin